Occupational Therapy Archives - Rehabilitation Specialists

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Do you spend most of your day sitting at a desk? If so, how often do you pause to stretch your muscles? Sitting for long periods in a hunched-over position can cause stiffness, poor posture, and tension in your neck, shoulders, and back.

Experts recommend taking short stretch breaks every 30–45 minutes to keep your body moving. These mini breaks not only loosen tight muscles but also boost concentration, energy, and productivity.

Here are some simple desk stretches you can do right at your workstation—no special equipment needed.

Shoulder Stretch at Your Desk

Interlock your hands behind your back while keeping your chest lifted and head up.
Squeeze your shoulder blades together and gently move your arms backward.
Hold the stretch for 10–20 seconds until you feel tension release in your shoulders and upper back.

Tip: Repeat 2–3 times during your workday to reduce stiffness.

Neck Stretch to Relieve Tension

Slowly turn your head to look over each shoulder, stretching the side neck muscles.
Drop your head gently from one side to the other to strengthen and release neck tension.

Pro Tip: Avoid jerking your neck; move slowly and breathe deeply for maximum benefit.

Arm Stretch for Forearms and Shoulders

Raise one arm in front of you, palm facing forward, fingers pointing downward.
Grab your palm with the opposite hand, locking your wrist.
Gently straighten the arm to stretch your forearm and upper arm.

Lower Back Stretch for Desk Workers

Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and place your hands on your lower back, fingers pointing downward.
Gently push your hips forward and downward while exhaling.
Slowly lean backward to stretch the lower back, keeping your muscles relaxed.

Tip: Perform this stretch a few times each hour to prevent lower back pain from prolonged sitting.

Upper Back Stretch to Open the Shoulders

Move your hands in front of your body and interlock your fingers with palms facing outward.
Push your palms toward the ground, gently separating your shoulder blades.
Slightly bend your head forward until you feel a stretch between your shoulder blades.

✅ Benefits of Desk Stretches

Reduce neck, shoulder, and back tension
Improve posture while sitting
Increase energy and focus at work
Prevent long-term musculoskeletal issues

If you’re experiencing persistent upper body tension or want personalised guidance, book an appointment with our team. Our expert therapists can create a tailored plan to help you move better, reduce discomfort, and stay productive.

Did you know that by 2050, one in four Australians is expected to experience hearing loss? That’s a dramatic increase from one in six in 2021. According to the 2021 Census, over 16,000 people in Australia use Auslan (Australian Sign Language) at home—a number that continues to grow as awareness and inclusion improve.

On August 30th, TRS (Total Rehab Solutions) had the honour of hosting a stall at the vibrant Deaf Festival in Sydney—an event that truly celebrated the culture, strength, and unity of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.

The festival had something for everyone—from mouthwatering food trucks and handcrafted jewellery stalls to a kids’ corner filled with fun games, face painting, and creative activities. There were also booths showcasing Assistive Technology (AT) and a buzzing entertainment stage featuring talented performers throughout the day.

Connecting with the Community

Being part of this event gave us a powerful platform to connect directly with the community. We were able to educate visitors about the wide range of services we provide, especially for those who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or living with communication barriers. At TRS, we pride ourselves on offering tailored support to help individuals achieve their goals—whatever they may be.

This mission is personal for us. Our Managing Director, Fiona, and our Operations Manager, Nick, are both profoundly deaf. Their lived experiences shape how we operate as a company and push us to ensure that every person we support feels seen, understood, and empowered.

A Day to Remember

The atmosphere at the festival was electric from start to finish. We had countless meaningful conversations, and the energy of the day was truly infectious. Events like this remind us why we do what we do—to create lasting impact, one person at a time.

A Big Thank You to the TRS Family

This day wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication and passion of our amazing TRS team. The commitment our staff shows—both to one another and to the communities we serve—is what makes moments like these so memorable.

We’re already looking forward to the next opportunity to be part of such a special day.

Here’s to many more years of supporting the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community, celebrating inclusion, and sharing the work we love.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

If you or someone you know could benefit from the services we offer, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help.

On Friday, May 2nd, some of our amazing TRS team members had the pleasure of attending the 2025 Insurance Ball—an annual highlight for professionals in the rehabilitation and insurance industries. Dressed in their finest, our staff enjoyed a well-deserved evening of celebration, connection, and giving back.

This much-anticipated event is more than just a night of glamour. Each year, the Insurance Ball raises funds for a local charity doing meaningful work in the community. In 2025, the chosen beneficiary was Toora Women’s Inc., a Canberra-based organisation dedicated to supporting women affected by trauma.

Who Does Toora Women’s Inc. Support?

Toora Women’s Inc. provides critical support services for women, non-binary, and feminine-identifying individuals over 18 who are navigating challenges such as:

Domestic, family, and sexual violence
Alcohol and drug dependency
Homelessness or risk of homelessness
Mental health conditions
Reintegration following time in correctional institutions

Toora’s trauma-informed approach recognises the complex needs of its clients, providing tailored, evidence-based therapeutic support to foster long-term healing and empowerment.

Toora’s Services: Building Strength and Healing

Toora offers a wide range of counselling services and group programs, facilitated by qualified, registered professionals. Their services include:

One-on-One Counselling

Using therapeutic models such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and solution-focused therapy, Toora helps individuals build emotional resilience and reclaim control over their lives.

‍ Circles of Security Parenting Program (COS-P)

This eight-week course strengthens the parent-child bond and helps caregivers understand and meet their children’s emotional needs.

Healing Trauma Group

A six-week program empowering women with practical tools to manage trauma, develop healthy relationships, and practice self-love and care.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

An eight-week evidence-based program for women affected by trauma, substance misuse, and domestic violence, focused on emotional regulation and personal empowerment.

Leading the Way in Women’s Homelessness Support

Toora also operates the largest specialist homelessness support service in the ACT for women and children. Their holistic services address a wide range of contributing factors—such as trauma, financial stress, mental health issues, substance abuse, and domestic violence—ensuring clients receive comprehensive and compassionate care.

A Night to Remember for a Cause That Matters

The team at TRS is proud to have been part of this meaningful night. The 2025 Insurance Ball is a cherished tradition we look forward to each year—not just for the celebration, but for the opportunity to contribute to causes that truly change lives.

We are honoured to support Toora Women’s Inc. and the incredible work they do in our community. Here’s to a night of elegance, impact, and hope!

At The Rehabilitation Specialists, one of our favourite things is welcoming university students for their placements — and this time, we’ve hit the jackpot with two incredible Occupational Therapy (OT) students joining us!

For eight weeks, starting from March 24th, we’ve been lucky to have Victor and Liz on board, working alongside our NDIS OTs and gaining valuable hands-on experience.

Meet Victor!

Victor is passionate about learning and always brings a calm, friendly energy to the team. Outside of OT, he’s a huge basketball fan — and a big admirer of King LeBron James.

One of his favourite things to do? Walking his dog! In fact, if you ever want to see Victor light up or have a great conversation, just ask him about his dog — it’s guaranteed to make him smile.

Another fun fact: Victor is multilingual, speaking both Cantonese and Mandarin fluently!

Say Hello to Liz!

Liz is a creative soul with a love for dogs, reading, and all things arts and crafts. She doesn’t just stick to one type of craft either — Liz enjoys exploring it all, with a particular passion for crochet and using her spinning wheel.

Just like Victor, Liz is also a dog lover. Her wonderful service dog, Pixel, even joins her at the TRS office and comes along to OT appointments! Pixel has quickly become part of the TRS family too.

Making an Impact at TRS

Victor and Liz have shared that they’ve felt incredibly welcomed by the TRS team and have already learned so much from their placement so far. From seeing a wide range of clients to gaining new insights and experiences, their journey has been full of growth.

We’re so grateful to have Victor, Liz, and Pixel with us for these two months. Their enthusiasm, kindness, and fresh perspectives have made a real difference — and we can’t wait to see what the rest of their placement brings.

Welcome again to the TRS family — we’re so lucky to have you!

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How Can Employment Services Support You?

Our Employment Services aim to assist you in achieving your unique career objectives, no matter what they look like. Depending on your specific needs, our Employment Consultants can provide support in areas such as:

CV development and updates
Cover letter creation
Online job search assistance
Selection criteria responses
Job application support
Interview coaching and mock interviews
Basic computer skills training
Follow-up call coaching
Cold canvassing support
Disclosure coaching for injury, illness, or disability
General employment coaching

Meet our Employment consultant Megan!

Megan commenced at The Rehabilitation Specialists in August 2021 as one of our rehab admin assistants. Since commencing with The Rehabilitation Specialists, she has worked within the rehabilitation space and has grown her knowledge across multiple insurance schemes. Megan has now also moved into being an Employment Services Consultant, where she has found her niche being able to involve her coaching, mentoring, and wholistic approach in her services to help people find a job!

Megan works across both the workplace rehabilitation and NDIS space and in 2024 she completed her External Case Manager course. This allows her to act as a case manager, remotely based, to assist in organising employees’ return to work. Megan’s has strengths in organisation, prioritisation and time management, and her passion is to ensure that everyone around her is supported and enabled to be able to work towards their goals along their journey.

Megan is moving, but don’t worry, she isn’t leaving us!

After working in Canberra since August 2021, Megan has decided that she wants to get some fresh air and has moved down to the coast to see how life is over there. Even though Megan will no longer be working in our Canberra office every day, she will be keeping on top of her employment role and offering job seeking services in the Merimbula area as well as online!

One thing all of us are confident about is that even through Megan will no longer be working in the office with us day in and day out. She will be working to the best of her ability and will still be coming back to see us and her Canberra based clients regularly.

If you are in need of some support returning to work or if you are looking for a new job, reach out to us! We would love to hear from you!

We are thrilled to announce that The Rehabilitation Specialists (TRS) is featured in the latest Commonwealth Bank and Matildas campaign, a wonderful initiative designed to support small businesses – just like ours!

Recently, our inspiring Managing Director, Fiona Fonti, had the incredible opportunity to meet Cameron, a star from Married at First Sight, to discuss both the campaign and the growth of TRS. This exciting partnership has opened many doors, and we are proud to share that TRS will be featured on Commonwealth Bank billboards throughout Sydney and mentioned in radio campaigns across New South Wales!

The Story Behind The Rehabilitation Specialists

The Rehabilitation Specialists (TRS) began its journey on June 18, 2012, when Fiona Fonti recognized a growing demand for boutique, workplace rehabilitation services. Motivated by a desire to provide personalized and effective rehabilitation solutions, Fiona founded TRS to cater to businesses and individuals in need of expert rehabilitation and support.

TRS Expansion Milestones

After a year of offering services from clients’ homes, The Rehabilitation Specialists officially opened its first office in Canberra on January 1, 2013. This move provided a dedicated space for innovation, collaboration, and enhanced service to our clients. Our growth continued, and in 2015, we relocated to a larger office in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) to accommodate our expanding team and client base.

In 2018, TRS reached a significant milestone when we became a registered National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provider in the ACT, enabling us to extend our services to those with disabilities in the region.

The year 2020 marked another important chapter as we opened our Sydney office, expanding our services to better serve the Sydney region. Most recently, in 2025, we relocated to a larger office space right in the heart of Sydney, providing ample room for continued growth and a commitment to offering the best in workplace rehabilitation services.

Join Us on Our Exciting Journey!

Being part of the Commonwealth Bank and Matildas campaign is an exciting milestone for us. Keep an eye out for The Rehabilitation Specialists on billboards across Sydney and listen for our mention in radio campaigns throughout New South Wales!

As a growing business, we’re constantly moving forward and expanding our reach. We are excited about the future and the positive impact we continue to make in the workplace rehabilitation industry.

2024 was a year filled with growth, community, and achievement at The Rehabilitation Specialists. We’re thrilled to share a look back at the highlights and milestones that shaped our year.

January: A Golden Start
The year kicked off with a bang as we proudly sponsored the 2024 Australian Deaf Games. Our very own Fi and Nick brought home gold in soccer, a testament to their dedication and athleticism.

February: Love and Laughter
February was a month of love and appreciation. We celebrated Valentine’s Day by spreading kindness and gratitude among our team and clients.

March: A Much-Needed Break
After a busy start to the year, we took some time to recharge and reconnect at a team outing to the Dock in Kingston. It was a perfect opportunity to enjoy good food, great company, and lasting memories.

May: A Warm Welcome
We were delighted to welcome Winnie, a long-time client of Emma’s, to one of Ben’s sessions. It was inspiring to witness the impact of our work and how it can empower individuals to achieve their goals.

July: A Night of Celebration and New Beginnings
Our Rehab Team dressed to impress at the Insurance Ball, a night of glamour and networking. We also welcomed new team members to our growing Sydney office, excited to contribute their skills and passion.

August: Deaf Festival and Community Connection
We were proud to participate in the Deaf Festival, showcasing our skills and connecting with the Deaf community. Meeting incredible individuals like Emma Memma was a highlight of the month.

October: Celebrating Future Healthcare Heroes
October was a month of celebration as we watched our talented students, Imogen, Tim, and Jessica, graduate as Occupational Therapists. Their dedication and hard work are an inspiration to us all.

September and November: Giving Back and Supporting a Cause
In September, our EP student, Dillion, shared his expertise by leading a workout session to improve running performance. We’re excited to have him join our team as a fully qualified EP next year.
November saw us embrace the spirit of Movember, sporting fake mustaches to raise awareness for men’s health. We also had the privilege of hosting Bjarne from Southside Physio, who shared insights into the GLA:BACK program.

December: A Festive Finale
We concluded 2024 with our annual Christmas party, a white masquerade ball filled with fun, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As we reflect on 2024, we’re filled with gratitude for the opportunities and experiences we’ve had. We’re excited to carry this momentum into 2025 and continue making a positive impact on our clients and community.

Will you take the leap and pursue your dreams in 2025? We can’t wait to see what the future holds!

At Rehabilitation Specialists, we understand that transitioning to a new job or career path can be a challenging process—especially when you’re facing physical or psychological limitations. Whether you’re managing long-term health conditions, experiencing redundancy, or simply seeking a change in direction, our Job Seeking Services are designed to provide comprehensive, personalised support that empowers you to succeed.

We also offer specialised assistance for NDIS clients, ensuring a smooth and effective job search experience that’s tailored to your individual needs. Here’s how our expert team, led by Employment Services Consultants Megan and Emma, can help you unlock your full career potential:

Why Choose Our Job Seeking Services?

1. Personalised Job Matching for Better Results

Your career journey is unique, and so are your skills, experiences, and aspirations. That’s why we begin by getting to know you. We take the time to understand your strengths, career goals, and the types of roles you’re interested in. Using this insight, we match you with potential employers who are seeking candidates with your qualifications, significantly increasing your chances of landing a role that truly fits.

2. Building Meaningful Employer Relationships

Our commitment extends beyond simply placing you in a job. We actively build and nurture strong relationships with employers and key industry stakeholders, giving you access to a wider network of job opportunities. These connections are invaluable, helping you secure a position that aligns with both your skills and career aspirations.

3. Expert Vocational Counselling

Choosing the right career path can feel overwhelming—particularly when you’re facing personal challenges. Our experienced vocational counsellors work closely with you to explore various career options, assess your suitability for different roles, and provide clear, objective advice. We focus on your strengths and potential to guide you towards a fulfilling career that aligns with your long-term goals.

4. A Holistic Approach to Career Transitions

Career transitions are about more than just finding a new job—they’re about creating a balance between work, well-being, and personal goals. Our holistic approach considers your overall health, lifestyle, and ambitions to ensure that your new job isn’t just a career move, but a step towards a better quality of life. We work with you to identify and overcome any barriers, equipping you with strategies and support to achieve lasting success in your chosen role.

5. Specialised Support for NDIS Clients

For clients with NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) plans, we offer tailored job-seeking services that accommodate your individual needs. We understand the complexities of the NDIS framework and work closely with NDIS support coordinators to create job opportunities that align with your capabilities and goals. Whether you’re looking for part-time, full-time, or flexible roles, we ensure that your job search respects and enhances your NDIS plan, promoting a smooth and successful transition into the workforce.

6. Ongoing Support and Guidance

The journey doesn’t end once you’ve secured a job. We believe in providing continuous support, even after you’ve started your new role. Whether you need advice, encouragement, or practical assistance as you settle into your position, our team is here to help. We are committed to ensuring your long-term success and job satisfaction.

Ready to Start Your Career Transition?

Whether you’re dealing with permanent physical or psychological restrictions, navigating a career change, or seeking NDIS-specific job-seeking assistance, our Job Seeking Services are designed with your needs in mind. We’re here to support you every step of the way—from exploring new opportunities to thriving in your new role.

Contact Rehabilitation Specialists today to learn more about how we can help you unlock your career potential. Let us help you build the future you deserve.

Contact Us

For more information or to schedule a consultation, Get in touch with our team of expert job-seeking consultants today. Your future starts here.

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This week has been an exciting one for The Rehabilitation Specialists (TRS). On Monday, 11 November, our Founder and Managing Director, Fiona, was featured on the Capital Women show on 2XXfm!

During this insightful radio interview, Fiona shared the core services of TRS and highlighted the diverse ways our expert team supports individuals on their rehabilitation journeys. Fiona also discussed the significant growth and changes we’ve experienced over the past few years, including the expansion of our Sydney team and an upcoming move to a new office space in January.

Since founding TRS 12 years ago, Fiona has led a dedicated team committed to delivering top-quality rehabilitation services to help people achieve the best possible outcomes. Through hard work, innovation, and a deep passion for improving lives, TRS has become a trusted name in the industry.

While Fiona’s journey with TRS has been incredibly busy, she still finds time to enjoy personal activities like walking, playing cricket, and spending quality time with her family.

We are so proud of Fiona’s accomplishments and are thrilled to be part of the TRS family as we continue to grow and serve our community.

Click the link below to listen to Fiona’s full radio interview on Capital Women and learn more about the exciting developments at The Rehabilitation Specialists.

Click the link to have a listen!

Have you ever wanted a reason to grow a mustache? Now is your chance! With November kicking off today, we invite you to grow a mustache for Movember—a movement dedicated to improving men’s health.

Why Movember Matters

Men’s health issues, including mental health challenges and prostate cancer, are often overlooked. Movember is working to change that by funding groundbreaking projects and raising awareness across the globe. You can find more information about their initiatives on the Movember Foundation website. Join the conversation and be part of a movement that truly matters.

Join the Challenge: Compete for Men’s Health

Would you like to compete in prestigious marathons, races, and epic hikes—all while making a significant impact on men’s health? Movember offers several exciting events where your participation can help change lives. Here are some incredible opportunities:

1. Point to Pinnacle (November 17)

Prepare for a challenge like no other as you ascend kunanyi/Mount Wellington in Hobart. This event is known as the world’s toughest road half-marathon, and it’s a fantastic way to push your limits while supporting men’s health.

2. Ride The Dirty Warrny (November 9)

If cycling is more your speed, get ready for an adventure on gravel! The Dirty Warrny is touted as “the truest test of performance, machine, and sense of adventure.” This endurance race will take you through the breathtaking Victorian countryside, all while contributing to a worthy cause.

3. Kokoda Trek (April 14-25, 2025)

Honor the ANZAC legacy on the historic Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea. This trek not only offers stunning views and a journey through lush jungles but also provides an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on men’s health.

4. Everest Base Camp Trek (May 1-16, 2025)

Is Everest on your bucket list? This trek to Everest Base Camp combines adventure with a purpose. Experience the majestic Himalayan landscape while helping to change the face of men’s health.

Can’t Join the Events? Grow a Moustache!

If racing or trekking isn’t quite your style, you can still make a difference. Simply grow a fantastic moustache and help spread awareness for men’s health. Every bit of effort counts! Check out our tips on how to grow and style your mustache here.

Get Involved Today!

This Movember, whether you’re sporting a mustache, hiking a trail, or cycling through the countryside, you have the power to make a difference. Let’s change the narrative around men’s health together. Join us in this important movement and help raise awareness for a cause that affects us all.